When Bill and Connie Fuller are forced to move out of their Manhattan apartment because of their pet dog, Connie purchases a dilapidated old Pennsylvania house where George Washington allege... Read allWhen Bill and Connie Fuller are forced to move out of their Manhattan apartment because of their pet dog, Connie purchases a dilapidated old Pennsylvania house where George Washington allegedly slept, and persuades Bill to renovate it.When Bill and Connie Fuller are forced to move out of their Manhattan apartment because of their pet dog, Connie purchases a dilapidated old Pennsylvania house where George Washington allegedly slept, and persuades Bill to renovate it.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 1 nomination total
- Wife Slapping Passenger
- (uncredited)
- Well Digger
- (uncredited)
- Apartment Hunter
- (uncredited)
- Sam
- (uncredited)
- Well Digger
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe dog in the movie, Rommy, was trained in the Weatherwax kennels, most famously known for making an undisciplined collie named "Pal" into a star named Lassie the Dog. The Weatherwax family readily admitted that of all the dogs they trained, Rommy was their favorite, and was the smartest of their dogs.
- GoofsAt the end when Bill and Connie drop into a hole in the ground, if the film is paused about two seconds before they fall and then run in Super Slo-Mo, the faces of the stand-in actors who took the fall can be seen.
Per IMDb guidelines, this is an "Unacceptable Goof" as it is a "Blink and you'll miss it: If it's "easily missed" or you have to "view the scene frame-by-frame" then it's not a goof."
- Quotes
Bill Fuller: [reading the letter from the old boot] "Gentlemen, We are facing a time of peril so grave in our brief National history, that there is now only the choice of serving the country a little longer, or having tomorrow no country to serve. Under the favor of Almighty God, we have become a Nation. Let me say to you that I hate war. But if we remain one Nation, one People, that time is not far distant when we may choose war or peace as our national interest guided by justice. In the words of Thom Paine, 'These are the times that try men's souls.' Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. 'Tis dearness alone that gives every thing its value and it would be strange, in deed, if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated. George Washington. November 10, 1777."
Connie Fuller: Bill, this means Washington really slept here.
- ConnectionsReferenced in Operation Pacific (1951)
- SoundtracksYankee Doodle
(uncredited)
Music traditional - English origin (ca. 1755)
Variations in the score throughout
Based on the play of the same name by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, Everett Freeman's screenplay is frequently funny, occasionally contrived and not terrifically ambitious. The conceit is simple and the narrative structure is linear- a house is renovated. It's not what one would call an unpredictable story. On top of that, the characters aren't especially well- rounded creations, and conflicts which arise between them throughout feel forced. The witty dialogue and sharp interplay between those characters is entertaining, though, and the antics they engage in whilst repairing the house are funny; if not terribly original. It may not be the most sophisticated tale ever, but it is an enjoyable one.
The house- the main location in the film- is the same one used in 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' and Casey Roberts's set dressing and decoration of it is impressive work. Allegedly, the crew roughed the place up with sledgehammers before shooting, and the results are striking. One could be forgiven for thinking the building had really been abandoned for years. This all may seem like a trivial point to make, but when a film revolves around a structure being dilapidated; it's important that it actually does look run-down- the house in 'George Washington Slept Here' really does.
Ernest Haller was a great cinematographer with a keen eye and a real flair behind the camera, with his striking work in films like 'Gone With The Wind' and 'Rebel Without a Cause' still being extolled today. His work on 'George Washington Slept Here' is less laudable, consisting of visuals that are underwhelming and flat- dull, even. Additionally, of issue is Ralph Dawson's editing: a loose affair which leaves the film with an uneven pace- and as the aphorism goes, with comedy it's all in the timing.
A performer of impeccable comic timing, Jack Benny is terrific in the film. He was a suave, instantly likable entertainer of much charm, wit and talent, which he showcases in his performance as Bill. The character was written for him, and is quite similar to the persona established on his radio and television programs. Naturally, the role fits Benny like a glove, and he and co-star Ann Sheridan have a good chemistry on screen.
Sheridan has less to do then Benny, playing the straight-man, so to speak; a feat she was more than capable of. Her understated performance is beguiling, and she proves that she had the ability to handle comedy deftly. From the supporting cast, Percy Kilbride does a memorable turn as an eccentric building contractor, Hattie McDaniel is consistently good as the Fuller's maid and Charles Coburn steals his all too few scenes as the Fullers' tight-fisted uncle.
'George Washington Slept Here' is a light, well-acted and thoroughly enjoyable comedy from William Keighley that is sure to please and amuse. While not particularly original or affecting, the story is entertaining, the dialogue is sharp and stars Jack Benny and Ann Sheridan impress with their comedic talents and ease of performance. It may not bring down the house, but 'George Washington Slept Here' will surely leave a few rolling in the aisles.
- reelreviewsandrecommendations
- Oct 23, 2022
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- George Washington durmió aquí
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $661,500
- Runtime1 hour 33 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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